Hi! My name is Blakelee Vigliarolo. I'm 22 years old. I was diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in August of 2017. I was hospitalized twice with an itchy rash covering my entire body. Along with a 104°F, an extremely high heart rate, extremely low blood pressure, and extreme joint pains. It took three months until a fantastic infectious disease doctor, Dr. Arnold Lentnek, diagnosed me with lupus. I felt as many people do when they are diagnosed with lupus, scared but relieved. Finally! A diagnosis means treatment. There is no cure for lupus SLE and the reality is my future is unknown. I will have good days and bad days, but all in all, your "new normal" can be as beautiful as you want to make it!